Cerulli Spinozzi, Colline Teramane DOCG (Abruzzo, Italy) 2013

 One of the great things about wines from Italy is how many distinctive ones, like this one, fly under the radar.  Abruzzo does not have the name recognition of Tuscany nor does the DOCG of Colline Teramane ring any bells, which explains why this wine’s price doesn’t come close to recognizing its quality. Teramane Colline is Aburzzo’s sole DOCG, and an area where the Montepulciano grape reaches its fullest expression.  Cerulli Spinozzi, one the leaders in the region, consistently makes a brilliant example.  The 2013, a mid-weight to robust wine, combines dark fruitiness with a hint of tar and those elusive, but captivating, not-just-fruit flavors.  The tannins are fine and unobtrusive, making perfect to drink now with hearty autumnal fare.